US Patent 10379068 Nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock

Nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock is described. A nano-scale beam is formed from kerogen-rich reservoir rock. The nano-scale beam includes reservoir rock and kerogen having polymeric properties. A mechanical experiment is performed on the nano-scale beam. The mechanical experiment is imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or a transmission electron microscope (TEM). A material parameter of the kerogen in the nano-scale beam is determined based on the mechanical experiment and images obtained responsive to the imaging.